2011 Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet

World's first awd crossover convertible.

Based on the premium all-wheel-drive model, the CrossCabriolet has its top chopped off, replaced with an aluminum and magnesium-framed cloth soft-top. The chassis was reinforced for structural rigidity so that no B-pillar is needed, thus allowing for a completely open interior. The new is equipped with a 265-bhp 3.5-liter V-6 mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

On the road, the CrossCabriolet's cabin is reasonably quiet, thanks to a more raked A-pillar protecting the passengers. The CVT does a decent job of delivering the power smoothly. As the top-of-the-line Murano model, the $46,390 CrossCabriolet went on sale in the spring.

Is the new Murano CrossCabriolet answering a question that no one has asked? Or should Nissan be applauded for doing something really different? Only time and the number of customer orders will tell.

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